Remarks by President Bush in a Photo Opportunity with Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey
Prime Minister's Residence
Ankara, Turkey

9:40 A.M. (Local)

PRIME MINISTER ERDOGAN: (Remarks not translated.)

PRESIDENT BUSH: Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. You're right, this
is my first trip to your beautiful country as President. It also
happens to be my first trip to your beautiful country ever. And we're
honored to be here.

We appreciate the hospitality of the Turkish people. We look
forward to meaningful discussions on a variety of subjects, bilateral
relations, how we can strengthen NATO. I would remind the people of
this good country that I believe you ought to be given a date by the
E.U. for your eventual acceptance into the E.U. I also look forward to
working with you on matters regarding the neighborhood, Iraq and
elsewhere. I appreciate so very much the example your country has set
on how to be a Muslim country and at the same time, a country which
embraces democracy and rule of law and freedom.

And so I'm so grateful for your invitation. Thank you very much
for it. And I look forward to a fruitful discussion with you and with
our NATO partners.